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Happy Semiquincentennial, Y ’all!

Join us for a celebration that’s as big and wonderful as the word “Semiquincentennial,” itself. Mississippi’s commemoration of our nation’s 250th birthday promises a year filled with events, exhibits, programs, and more celebrating our state’s contributions to America’s story through culture, storytelling, the arts, and our shared history. Get plugged in at America250.ms.

Longwood, Natchez JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 3

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a look INSIDE Favorites

10 Along and Beyond

Natchez Songwriters Festival

12 Along and Beyond

DAR Chapters and State Society Mark Historic Anniversaries

15 Along and Beyond

A Lifetime of Service to Country and Community

16 In the Garden

Planning Ahead

22 Something Scrumptious Red, White, & Blueberries

26 Along and Beyond

Author Rob Kuehnle: New Genre . . . Shared Genesis

28 Legal Notes

Dream Home Disaster

35 Head & Heart

Motherhood, Summer, and 250 Years of Building Tomorrow

36 Along and Beyond

“I Believe in Angels” The Jane Ann Lampton Moore Stage Unveiled

42 Along and Beyond

The Trip of a Lifetime

44 Up & Coming Calender

Features

34 Exploring and Celebrating America 38 Honoring America with a Servant's Heart

cover

Set sail on pages 32–34 with American Cruise Lines and discover how the company is honoring its past, investing in its future, and helping travelers experience America from a whole new perspective.

JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 5

M AG A ZI N E

Team 225 John R. Junkin Drive Natchez, MS 39120 601.442.6847 bluffsbayous.com melanie.bluffsbayousmag@gmail.com kaelin.bluffsbayousmag@gmail.com

MELANIE SOJOURNER Publisher & Editor

KAELIN DAYE RUSSELL Publisher & Creative Director

JEAN NOSSER BIGLANE Copy Editor

CHERYL FOGGO RINEHART Contributor

COLTON WEBB Contributor

CECILIA HOPKINS STEVENS Contributor

BILL PERKINS Photographer

LISA WHITTINGTON Photographer

from the PUBLISHERS

As summer settles across the Mississippi River region, we can’t think of a more exciting season to be writing to you for the first time. As this issue reaches readers, America is celebrating Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding—a milestone that invites reflection on our shared history while looking ahead to the future.

As sixth- and seventh-generation members of a family farm south of Natchez, we understand the importance of preserving the stories, traditions, and relationships that shape the places we call home. Those stories continue to inspire the pages of Bluffs & Bayous and our commitment to highlighting the people, places, businesses, and communities that make Central and South Mississippi and Southeast Louisiana so remarkable.

In this July/August issue, you’ll find features that celebrate America through its people, events, and traditions. We share timely gardening tips, seasonal recipes, practical advice for homeowners, and the story of a family whose rich heritage continues to bear fruit for future generations.

6 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | JULY-AUGUST 2026

Bluffs & Bayous is published bimonthly to promote the greater Southern area of Louisiana and Mississippi in an informative and positive manner. We welcome contributions of articles and photos; however, they will be subject to editing and availability of space and subject matter. Photographs, comments, questions, subscription requests and ad placement inquiries are invited!

Return envelopes and postage must accompany all materials submitted if a return is requested. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of a publisher. The opinions expressed in Bluffs & Bayous are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement. Bluffs & Bayous strives to ensure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.

Throughout these pages, you’ll discover stories of patriotism, perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community spirit—qualities that have helped define America for nearly two and a half centuries. Whether you’re gathering with family, attending local celebrations, or simply enjoying the beauty of our region, we hope this issue serves as a reminder of what makes life along and beyond the Mississippi so special.

We also reflect with gratitude on the remarkable legacy Cheryl Rinehart built during her 26 years leading Bluffs & Bayous. We are honored that she has entrusted us with carrying this publication forward. As a mother-daughter team, the journey ahead is especially meaningful. Researching, writing, and producing this magazine together is truly a dream come true. Cheryl’s guidance, dedication, and trust will always hold a special place in our hearts.

As always, thank you to our readers, advertisers, contributors, and community partners for allowing us to share these stories.

We are honored to continue this legacy and look forward to celebrating the next chapter with you.

Melanie Sojourner & Kaelin Daye Russell

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social

THE SCENE MCCOMB, MS

ALONG &

Bingo & Bubbly

beyond

A favorite annual fundraiser, Bingo & Bubbly, benefiting the Southwest Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center, was held recently in McComb, Mississippi. Guests enjoyed brunch, bubbly, bingo, auctions, prizes, and a lively hat contest while supporting programs that provide advocacy, healing, and support for children and families affected by abuse and trauma. The event combines community, philanthropy, and fun for a meaningful cause.

Photography by Bill Perkins

8 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | JULY-AUGUST 2026

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ALONG and

beyond NATCHEZ

songwriters Festival

For three days, the sounds of original music echoed through the streets, restaurants, galleries, and historic venues of downtown Natchez as the Natchez Songwriters Festival returned May 28– 30. The event transformed the city into a stage for songwriters and music lovers alike, celebrating the craft of songwriting while showcasing the talent behind the songs.

This year’s festival brought together more than 90 artists performing across 13 venues throughout Natchez, creating a unique musical experience that encouraged visitors and residents to explore the city while discovering new music.

From intimate acoustic performances to lively evening showcases, audiences enjoyed a diverse mix of musical styles and stories from songwriters representing Mississippi and beyond. Unlike traditional music festivals that often focus on full bands and large productions, the Natchez Songwriters Festival places the spotlight on the writers themselves. Performers shared not only their original songs but also the inspiration, experiences, and personal stories that shaped them, creating a deeper connection between artists and audiences.

Throughout the three-day event, attendees moved from venue to venue, experiencing performances in some of Natchez’s most distinctive settings. The festival’s format encouraged visitors to explore downtown businesses while supporting local restaurants, shops, and hospitality venues. Festival organizers created the event as a celebration of songwriting, bringing together established performers, emerging artists, and music enthusiasts in one of Mississippi’s most historic cities.

As crowds gathered throughout the weekend, the festival highlighted not only the creativity of the performers but also Natchez’s growing reputation as a destination for arts and entertainment. With original songs, memorable performances, and audiences filling venues across the city, the Natchez Songwriters Festival once again demonstrated the power of music to bring people together. As the final notes faded on Saturday evening, many attendees were already looking forward to next year’s event and another weekend celebrating.

natchezsongwritersfestival.com ARTICLE | Kaelin Daye Russell PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY | Gabriel Bass

10 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | JULY-AUGUST 2026

THE

social

SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

A Winning Tradition The Pilgrimage Garden Club brought a touch of Churchill Downs to historic Stanton Hall as guests gathered for its annual Kentucky Derby Party, one of Natchez’s most anticipated spring social events. Dressed in festive Derby attire, attendees enjoyed an afternoon filled with Southern charm, live music, Derby-inspired fare, games, and the excitement of watching the “greatest two minutes in sports” streamed live from Louisville.

Adding to the festivities was special guest and comedian Ellen Skrmetti, who served as honorary grand marshal and entertained guests with a stand-up performance following the race. The celebration also featured the beloved tradition of singing “My Old Kentucky Home,” along with contests recognizing the most creative hats and bow ties, making for a memorable afternoon of laughter and friendly competition.

Beyond the fun and pageantry, the event highlighted the Pilgrimage Garden Club’s ongoing commitment to preserving Natchez’s historic treasures. The Kentucky Derby Party brought together community members and visitors alike for an afternoon that celebrated Southern hospitality, historic preservation, and the enduring traditions that make Natchez unique.

Photos submitted by Julianna Wallace Rabb

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ALONG &

beyond

DAR Chapters and State Society Mark Historic Anniversaries Historic Monmouth in Natchez, Mississippi, provided a fitting backdrop on May 4, 2026, as the Mississippi State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR), the Natchez Chapter, the William Dunbar Chapter, and the nation celebrated notable milestones. The occasion commemorated the 130th anniversaries of both MSSDAR and the Natchez Chapter, the 58th anniversary of the William Dunbar Chapter, and America’s approaching 250th birthday.

Monmouth holds a special place in DAR history as the site where both MSSDAR and the Natchez Chapter were founded in 1896.

The event included a guided tour of Monmouth, social time in the home’s Quitman Lounge, a luncheon in the parlors featuring foods inspired by the 1890s, the chapter’s meeting ritual, and the introduction of special guests.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded on October 11, 1890, in Washington, D.C. The organization grew out of the patriotic enthusiasm surrounding the 1876 centennial celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Local chapters began forming in 1891.

In early 1896, Alice Quitman Lovell (1863– 1920) of Natchez visited Massachusetts where she became interested in the national DAR

organization. Lovell was a granddaughter of General John A. Quitman, a hero of the Mexican-American War and a two-time Governor of Mississippi.

After returning home, Miss Lovell invited a group of Natchez women to a meeting at Monmouth, the Quitman family home, on May 5, 1896. She suggested that the group undertake two important initiatives: establish the first DAR chapter in Mississippi and organize the Mississippi State Society DAR, which would serve as a coalition of chapters throughout the state. As a result, the Natchez Chapter DAR was established, and the Mississippi State Society DAR became the 35th state society in the nation.

In 1968, Mrs. Bernard (Lucianne) Wood of Natchez followed Miss Lovell’s example and, together with a group of 34 women, founded the William Dunbar Chapter of the Mississippi State Society DAR. Mrs. Wood served as the chapter’s first regent from 1968 to 1971.

Today, the Natchez Chapter DAR and the William Dunbar Chapter DAR continue to work closely together, along with other chapters throughout Mississippi, in support of the National Society DAR’s mission of patriotism, historic preservation, and education.

ARTICLE & PHOTOS | Cheryl Rinehart

12 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | JULY-AUGUST 2026

FLIGHTS START JULY 1 BETWEEN NATCHEZ & HOUSTON

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ALONG and

beyond

A Lifetime of Service to Country and Community

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, a celebration for the ages took place at the Civic Center in Natchez, Mississippi. Special guests and friends gathered to honor John Kerwin, one of the region’s few known World War II veterans and a veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam War, on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

Captain Jack, as he is affectionately known, has led a life of exemplary service both to his nation and local community.

For 25 years, Captain Jack served in the United States Army Air Corps, later the United States Air Force, where he was a crew chief on the now retired Boeing B-47 Stratojet bomber.

After his retirement from the Air Force in 1970, Captain Jack earned his master’s degree in computer science from the University of Southern Mississippi and worked for Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula. In 1980 he and his wife Doris moved to Natchez where he has spent the past forty years working with veterans’ groups such as Veterans of Foreign Wars and Home with Heroes Foundation.

Kerwin also has worked with local youth and student groups since moving to Natchez. For years he taught archery

and hunter safety to 4-H Club members and local Scouts.

A passionate patriot, Captain Jack has taught countless students about proper flag etiquette. How to carry, display, and fold American flags is a treasured lesson countless students in the Miss-Lou region remember learning from Captain Jack.

Reaching his centenary milestone is a testament to Captain Jack’s commitment to exercise and healthy living. A longtime proponent and practitioner of Tai Chi, Captain Jack currently is a resident at Magnolia Village where he leads fellow residents in Tai Chi exercises each week.

At the celebration honoring his life, Captain Jack was presented a Key to the City of Natchez by Mayor Dan Gibson, who stated during the presentation, “His legacy of service, leadership, and love of country has left an indelible mark on our community that will continue to inspire future generations.”

ARTICLE | Melanie Sojourner

JULY-AUGUST 2026 2026 || BLUFFS BLUFFS& & BAYOUS BAYOUS || 15 15 JULY-AUGUST

in the

garden

Planning

Ahead THE TIME IS NOW

W

hile many gardeners are busy harvesting peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers, July is actually the perfect time to start thinking about the next season’s harvest. In Mississippi and Louisiana, our long growing season allows gardeners to enjoy a productive fall garden filled with fresh vegetables well into the cooler months. According to the Mississippi State University Extension Service, many popular fall crops require planting during the heat of summer so they have adequate time to mature before colder weather arrives.

Fall gardens offer several advantages over spring plantings. Cooler temperatures, fewer pest problems, and more consistent rainfall often create ideal growing conditions for many vegetables. Crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, collards, kale, mustard greens, turnips, and Swiss chard thrive as temperatures begin to moderate.

Quick-growing vegetables like radishes, arugula, and leafy greens can often be harvested within a matter of weeks, providing fresh ingredients for fall meals.

Mississippi State Extension notes that many coolseason vegetables actually improve in flavor after experiencing cooler temperatures.

Success begins with planning. Gardeners should review planting dates for their region, prepare beds by incorporating organic matter, and ensure adequate irrigation during the summer heat. Starting seeds indoors or in a shaded location can help young plants establish before they are transplanted into the garden.

By taking advantage of July and August planting windows, homeowners can extend their harvest season and enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables well into autumn. A little work now can lead to months of rewarding harvests later in the year.

ARTICLE | Kaelin Daye Russell SOURCE | Mississippi State University Extension Service

16 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | JULY-AUGUST 2026

in the

garden

Southern Tomato Pie

Fresh Garden Salsa

Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Nothing says summer in Mississippi quite like fresh tomatoes straight from the garden. This savory Southern favorite is a wonderful way to use an abundance of ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs while celebrating the flavors of the season.

When tomatoes, peppers, and herbs are producing faster than you can pick them, fresh salsa is the perfect solution.

This colorful recipe is easy to prepare and showcases some of the best flavors of a Southern summer garden.

Cool, crisp, and refreshing, this simple salad is a summertime staple throughout Mississippi and Louisiana. It’s an excellent way to enjoy fresh-picked vegetables while adding a colorful side dish to any meal.

1 baked pie shell 3–4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced 1 cup mayonnaise 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil Salt and pepper to taste

4 ripe tomatoes, diced 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped Juice of 1 lime 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper

Preheat oven to 350°. Layer sliced tomatoes in the baked pie shell and lightly season with salt and pepper. Combine mayonnaise, cheeses, and basil in a bowl and spread over the tomatoes. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and stir well.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or tacos.

2 cucumbers, sliced 3 large tomatoes, chopped ¼ red onion, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar Salt and pepper to taste Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion in a serving bowl.

Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Pour dressing over vegetables and toss gently to coat. Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 17

in the

garden

Pollinator Gardens: Helping Bees and Butterflies Thrive A pollinator garden does more than add beauty to your landscape, it provides essential food and habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. By planting a variety of nectar-rich flowers, homeowners can support local pollinators while enjoying colorful blooms throughout the growing season.

Lavender Lemonade

Honey Butter Biscuits

Fresh and refreshing, this floral-inspired lemonade is the perfect companion to a summer afternoon in the garden. The subtle flavor of lavender captures the essence of many pollinator-friendly plants while offering a unique seasonal treat.

Made with sweet local honey, these buttery biscuits celebrate one of nature’s most important pollinators—the honey bee. Serve warm for a simple Southern favorite that pairs perfectly with any garden gathering.

Lavender Lemonade: Stir together 1 cup lemon juice, ¾ cup sugar dissolved in 1 cup hot water with 1 tablespoon dried lavender (strained), and 3 cups cold water. Serve over ice.

18 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | JULY-AUGUST 2026

Honey Butter Biscuits: Bake biscuits according to package directions. Whisk together 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1 tablespoon local honey, then brush over warm biscuits before serving.

Native Plants for Mississippi and Louisiana Landscapes Native plants are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners across Mississippi and Louisiana, and for good reason. Because these plants have naturally adapted to our climate, soils, and rainfall patterns, they often require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than many non-native varieties.

They also provide year-round beauty while helping create landscapes that are both sustainable and resilient.

Beyond their practical benefits, native plants play an important role in supporting local wildlife. Many species provide food, shelter, and nesting habitat for birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators that are essential to healthy ecosystems.

By incorporating native flowers, shrubs, and trees into home landscapes, gardeners can create beautiful outdoor spaces while contributing to the health of the environment.

Whether you’re designing a new landscape or updating an existing one, native plants offer a wide variety of colors, textures, and seasonal interest. From vibrant wildflowers and flowering shrubs to majestic native trees, these plants can help create a landscape that reflects the natural beauty of the Mississippi and Louisiana region while reducing long-term maintenance needs.

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social

THE SCENE MCCOMB, MS

Episcopal Wine Tasting Guests gathered at the Episcopal Church in McComb, Mississippi, on April 16, 2026 for an evening of fellowship and fundraising in support of the church’s foreign mission efforts.

Photography by Bill Perkins

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WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE HEATHER BOYETTE, DDS. Dr. Boyette will begin seeing patients on July 15 2026

20 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | JULY-AUGUST 2026

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something

scrumptious

Maggie Cavin

H

ighway 61 connects many things along its length. Near Woodville, Mississippi, the highway connects three generations of the McCurley family and their all-American agricultural heritage.

Just north of Woodville on Highway 61, the traveler finds the original McCurley blueberry farm. This is where Dr. Clarence Dunbar McCurley, Jr., and Mary Ann Bratley McCurley built their farm and home after marrying in the early 1960s.

A mile farther north, the traveler sees signs for the Country Cowgirl nursery and gift shop offering plants, antiques, and homemade baked goods. Owner Maggie Cavin is a thirdgeneration agricultural entrepreneur. She opened her shop almost two years ago carrying on the legacy begun by her grandparents Dunbar and Mary Ann McCurley.

Dunbar and Mary Ann met at Mississippi ARTICLE | Cecilia Stevens PHOTOS | Kaelin Daye Russell

22 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | JULY-AUGUST 2026

State University where both were studying preveterinary medicine. After graduating from State, Dunbar moved to Auburn for vet school while Mary Ann remained at State to earn a degree in math and science education. They married during Dunbar’s junior year in vet school.

After Dunbar finished vet school, the couple moved back to the Woodville area and settled on family land. The farm was pieced together from small tracts bought when neighbors gave up farming during the Great Depression and moved away from Wilkinson County looking for more opportunities.

The McCurleys saw the value in the land and stayed.

The couple devoted their lives to growing a family based on faith, patriotism, and traditional values.

Dunbar and Mary Ann reared five children on the farm which eventually included a veterinary clinic, a plant nursery, a shop selling wooden bowls made by Dunbar, and a produce stand selling

Cecilia Stevens (B.A. LSU and M.ED. Louisiana Tech) resides in Concordia Parish, works for the LSU AgCenter, and is the parent of two adult children.

seasonal vegetables and blueberries. The children tended, harvested, and sold the produce from the farm. Two-thirds of the children’s profits went into their college fund. The children—Little Dunbar, Marti, Virginia, D’Nella, and Clay—all attended college from farm proceeds.

“It didn’t pay for all of college…but we learned the value of hard work and doing a job well. And we learned if we wanted something, we had to work for it,” said D’Nella McCurley Cavin. “We saved for a trampoline from the Co-op. And even an air conditioner for the house one year. He [Dunbar] didn’t want us to buy the air conditioner. He thought we would all want to stay inside and not work!”

D’Nella remembers her parents’ instilling values like perseverance and fairness into each farm chore and sale. “When we would dig and sort sweet potatoes, he [Dunbar] would ask us if these were the quality of potatoes we would want to serve our own family,” she stated. “Our parents were teaching us to treat our customers with respect. We did that when we picked peas. We would push the peas down tight into the buckets so the customers got a lot for their money. And the same with the blueberries. We wanted the buckets to be mounded high with berries.”

The McCurley Family is best known for their pickyour-own blueberry farm. This legacy started by Dunbar and Mary Ann is now tended by two of their daughters—Virginia and D’Nella. “It is so much work taking care of the blueberries. We want to make sure that everyone has a good experience here. So there is lots of mowing and pruning and tending the berry bushes. This year we talked about whether we wanted to continue. And then we remembered all of the people who enjoy the experience of coming to the farm and picking berries. So we decided to keep working,” D’Nella explained.

That work ethic continues into the third generation with Maggie Cavin and the Country Cowgirl nursery and gift shop. Mary Ann and D’Nella both laughed as they recalled the family looking for Maggie when she was a small child and then finding her crossing a

Mary Ann McCurley

something

scrumptious

D'Nella McCurley

Mary Ann McCurley

hayfield to visit her grandmother and help work in the greenhouse. In the greenhouse, Maggie learned the basics of horticulture and a love for plants.

“Lots of plants in the greenhouse are heirloom plants,” Maggie shared, “where the original or ‘mother’ plant belonged to my grandmother, and we have continued to propagate from it. This Hoyo [wax plant] came from my great-great aunt and has been passed down in the family…. I also try to offer seasonal and unusual plants for my customers.”

In addition to a love for plants, Maggie gained a love for woodworking and for baking from her family. Like her grandfather, Maggie has created wooden bowls from local trees, such as persimmon, walnut, and bois d’Arc, which her mom now proudly displays alongside those made by Dunbar McCurley. And like her mother and grandmother, Maggie prepares sourdough bread, cakes, and other baked goods which tempt customers on the front counter of the Country Cowgirl.

When asked if agriculture is still important in the twenty-first century, both Maggie and D’Nella enthusiastically replied, “Yes!” “Agriculture teaches dependability, responsibility… and values of satisfaction and joy in seeking jobs accomplished… and discovering God’s beauty in nature along the way,” D’Nella said.

Maggie echoed stating, “I went to college to continue working in agriculture. My nursery at the Country Cowgirl is one of the ways I connect agriculture to my life and to our family values of hard work and responsibility.”

The McCurley agriculture legacy is in good hands going into the third generation. So stop by on Highway 61 when you see the signs for the Country Cowgirl nursery open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or visit the McCurley blueberry farm open seasonally with pick and pay. You will be spending time with an All-American family still living the farming dream.

JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 23

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Mary Ann McCurley

1 egg 1 cup milk ¼ cup cooking oil 1½ cups sifted all-purpose flour ½ cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup blueberries Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a muffin pan with 12 large baking cups sprayed with cooking spray. Crack egg into a medium mixing bowl. Beat egg slightly with a fork then beat in milk and oil.

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir dry mix into wet mix. Do not overmix.

Add blueberries and stir. The batter should be lumpy. Do not overmix. Fill each baking cup 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Cover unused portions.

Keeps for 3 to 5 days.

Servings: 12 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes

24 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | JULY-AUGUST 2026

Mammy's Blueberry Lemonade Tori Johnson, Mammy's Cupboard Restaurant

1 pint fresh blueberries 1 cup water 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 6 large lemons) 2 cups sugar 1 gallon water

Happy 250th America!

L. Douglas Smith, M.D. and Aaron J. Smith, M.D.

The EYE CENTER of Natchez

10 Vision Lane (off Highland BLVD. ) | Natchez, MS

601-445-5884 | eyecenterofnatchez.com

Place blueberries in a saucepan. Cover with water. Bring to a boil; then turn down to a low simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes to steep the blueberries, stirring as needed to prevent sticking or scorching. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth. Reserve juice.

Discard pulp. Return juice to the saucepan. Add lemon juice and sugar.

Heat on low stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Add juice mixture to one gallon of water. Taste and add additional sugar if needed. Serve cold.

Store in a closed pitcher. Best if used within one day.

Servings: 10 Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes

The

Markets

Cookout Central!

We have everything you need for backyard BBQs, and more, at The Markets!

JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 25

ALONG and

beyond Author Rob Kuehnle:

New Genre . . . Shared Genesis To celebrate Natchez native and author Rob Kuehnle and his upcoming release of Still in the Universe: mother, brother, husband, a two-hour launch event is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Natchez, Mississippi, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Big Muddy.

A half hour of socializing will open the evening with a wine bar and light fare furnished by local caterer Rene Adams. Kuehnle then will welcome all with his piano and song rendition of “I Remember You” by Johnny Mercer. A discussion of his memoir will follow with time thereafter for Q and A and book-signing. Jennifer Boone with Dixon Books in Natchez will provide texts for the evening’s signing session that will conclude the launch-party festivities.

Author of 17 published novels in several series—Cherry Cola Book Club Series, Piggly Wiggly Series, and Grand Slam Murders Series—under the pseudonyms of Robert Dalby, Ashton Lee, and R. J. Lee, Kuehnle continues as R. J. Lee but delves for the first time into the genre of non-fiction with his spiritual memoir, Still in the Universe.

Inspiring this memoir were the poignant, painful losses of three whom Kuehnle loved most deeply—his mother, then his younger brother and only sibling, and then his later-in-life husband of 13 years. Aware of his sentient ability to be in touch with metaphysical moments and insights, an ability he labels as “thin borders,” he struggled with accepting the finality of these losses. Through a “spiritual synthesis,” he eventually realized an existence for their “configurations,” their souls or spirits, in a layered universe of growth, awareness, and experiences beyond the seeming barrier of death. His memoir takes readers through the depth of his feelings for these three as the beginning and

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force beneath his search for and realization of the multi-layered existence the universe provides.

Robert Kuehnle discerns his perception as a gift to be shared, and his purpose in conveying this deeply personal memoir is to invite all to an open conversation about “life-affirming” concepts of existence and connections with a life-regenerating universe.

With his positive perspective and ease of presentation, he seeks to generate discussion about matters of existence intertwined with the universe, matters with even a possible, cross-cultural impact toward peace. His intent is not to denigrate any other faith system; nor is it to endorse any form of spiritual dogma. His invitation extends to all to come for enlightenment, stay for enrichment, and depart with insights to consider.

ARTICLE | Jean Biglane

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legal notes

Dream Home Disaster

Fraudulent Concealment and Seller Fraud in Mississippi There’s a legal principle that has governed the sale of property for centuries: caveat emptor, a Latin phrase meaning, “Let the buyer beware.” The law has consistently recognized that buyers who fail to inspect, investigate, and ask well-thought-out questions before signing a contract bear some responsibility for what they discover afterward.

However, caveat emptor has never meant that a seller can lie. The distinction—between a seller who stays silent and a seller who actively deceives—is one of the most important principles in Mississippi law.

Understanding it before you buy a home could save you an enormous amount of money, time, and heartache; understanding it after you’ve already closed requires a much harder conversation.

Imagine this: You and your significant other pull into the driveway and exchange that look—this might be the one.

The yard is the right size; and when the seller opens the front door, the home does not disappoint.

The layout is perfect, the rooms are big, and there is space to even have your own office or a children’s playroom. The seller points out freshly painted walls and notes how much care has gone into getting the home ready for its next family. You and your significant other exchange a look, silently acknowledging that this house checks all the boxes you discussed on the drive there.

It is perfect. You stretch the budget just a little because it is worth it. It’s the perfect home, right? You sign. You close. You get the keys.

Within weeks, you notice the smell. Once the scent of fresh paint fades, it is replaced by the distinctive, unmistakable odor of mold. You pull back the drywall and find damage that is years old and untouched beneath the paint that had been rolled over before your tour.

A contractor confirms it: significant moisture intrusion, long-standing mold, a crawlspace that has been wet far longer than any seller could have failed to notice. Several months later, large cracks appear in the living room walls.

A structural engineer delivers the news, and your stomach drops. The foundation has been shifting for years. The cracks are not new, and at some point they have been filled with patching compound and painted over so cleanly that a casual walkthrough would not reveal what is hidden underneath.

The seller said nothing. The disclosure form said nothing. And now you are standing in a house with a serious problem that is going to cost serious money to fix.

Mississippi law requires (almost all) sellers of residential property sold through a licensed real estate broker to deliver a written disclosure statement to the buyer before closing. Under Miss. Code Ann. §89-1-511, the seller must complete the form in good faith—defined as “honesty in fact in the conduct of the transaction.”

It is worth noting that the statute does not cover private sales conducted without a licensed broker,

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foreclosures, court-ordered transfers, and transfers between family members.

A seller who checks “no known defects” while sitting on a contractor’s repair estimate is not acting in good faith.

Importantly, Mississippi law does not let a seller off the hook for fraud for simply filling out the disclosure; the statute protects sellers who genuinely did not know.

Sellers who were unaware of a defect, exercised ordinary care, or relied in good faith on expert reports are not liable for what they did not know.

In 1983, the Supreme Court of Mississippi opined, “[i]n order to recover damages for fraudulent concealment, a [buyer] must demonstrate [seller] took some action, affirmative in nature, which was designed or intended to prevent and which did prevent, the discovery of facts giving rise to the fraud claim.” Davidson v. Rogers, 431 So. 2d 483, 485 (Miss. 1983).

Filling a foundation crack with putty and painting over years of mold damage qualifies.

Notably, even a clear violation of the disclosure statute does not automatically void the sale. What you are fighting for is damages, not a way out of the purchase.

So, you have a valid claim for fraudulent concealment.

Now what? Here is where I will be direct with you because a lawyer who only tells you what you want to hear is not doing you any favors.

Even if you have a strong fraudulent concealment case, litigation is expensive, slow, and uncertain. Attorney’s fees, expert witnesses, depositions, and court costs add up quickly; and you are not guaranteed to be awarded attorney’s fees or punitive damages.

Paying a $20,000 repair bill is (almost) never worth incurring $35,000 in legal fees. Assuming the damages fail to exceed expected costs of litigation, an honest attorney will tell you that the suit is not worth it.

A professional home inspection is not optional. It is your most important step in the home-buying process.

Asking specific, pointed questions to the seller in writing creates a record. Bringing in specialists is something a prudent buyer does before signing.

Those who waive inspection do not get rescued simply because they are unhappy. The doctrine of caveat emptor is alive and well in Mississippi. It is your job, as the buyer, to beware of any potential defects in the home.

If something feels wrong during the process, a conversation with a local attorney costs far less than a lawsuit after signing.

The law protects buyers from fraud, but it does not protect them from skipping their homework.

ARTICLE | Colton Webb

J. Colton Webb was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 2020 and recently returned to his hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, where he practices a broad range of law at Gwin, Punches & Kelley, LLP.

JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 29

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THE SCENE FERRIDAY, LA

Milestone Birthday Bash The Byrne family of Natchez, Mississippi, recently hosted a birthday bash for the ages. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, a crowd of family and friends gathered at Lake St. John in Ferriday, Louisiana, for a grand celebration. The occasion marked the 90th birthday of Tony Byrne, former Mayor of Natchez, as well as the birthday of his goddaughter Rene Adams, 60, and daughter Kristie Chandler, 64.

Photography by John Chandler

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A

s our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, we are taking this opportunity to recognize a company that embodies all things American. To find the perfect example, we looked no further than the river that binds us all together. For nearly fifteen years, American Cruise Lines has been docking along the Mississippi River, and for good reason. The Mississippi is truly a gateway to the world for commerce and also for an exploration of our nation’s rich history, culture, and heritage.

For those who live in Louisiana and Mississippi, it is a treat to watch the riverboats of American Cruise Lines traveling the Mississippi River and docking in cities so many call home. While some see them regularly along the river, what many people may not realize is just what a remarkable American success story American Cruise Lines has become.

Founded in the 1970s, American has always been a familyowned company and is now the leader in river and coastal cruising in the United States. It exclusively cruises within the United States and operates the nation’s largest domestic fleet. Every vessel is proudly built, crewed, and flagged in the United States of America.

After more than 50 years in business, American has tripled the size of its fleet just in the past decade and currently has three new vessels under construction.

Currently operating 28 small ships and offering more than 50 itineraries, the company invites guests to explore 35 states on voyages ranging from 7 to 55 days. Five of its riverboats are traveling just on the Lower Mississippi River this year.

Some of America's most popular destinations include the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, New England and the Hudson River, and the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

These cruises not only showcase some of the most stunning landscapes in America but also take travelers into the heart of places that helped shape the nation, including Colonial Williamsburg, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. American Cruise Lines also offers intimate opportunities to experience the beauty of many of the national parks, including Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In total, American itineraries include visits to nine national parks.

Occupancy across American’s fleet ranges from 90 to 180 guests, with most travelers being age 60 and older. Each cruise maintains an impressive crew-to-guest ratio of approximately one crew member for every three guests, creating a highly personalized experience that allows for the special needs of any guest to be accommodated with exceptional care.

American features some of the most spacious staterooms in the small-ship cruising industry. Standard cabins range from 250 to 300 square feet, making them 50% larger than most of their global competitors, with nearly all having private balconies. Deluxe staterooms go up to 370 square feet; and suites range from 400 to 1,500 square feet, some with private living rooms and wrap-around balconies.

Given their expansive itineraries, luxurious rooms, and excellent dining options, it is easy to understand why American Cruise Lines has achieved such success.

Additional stellar aspects of American Cruise Lines that also contribute to its mounting success are its people and its commitment to community partnership. First, their crew members are exceptional. In terms of hospitality, work ethic, professionalism, and genuine kindness, they are among the very best in the industry. Their attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond to accommodate guests is second to none.

Second, American Cruise Lines is committed to being a meaningful partner in the communities where its ships dock. The company works hard to ensure that local communities benefit from cruise tourism far beyond the immediate port area.

Before arriving at upcoming ports of call, guests receive extensive information about them; and they are encouraged to explore local history, museums, attractions, shops, and restaurants. American Cruise Lines provides for their travelers’ on-land transportation and partners with local entities to help guests become immersed in the communities they visit. Research indicates that the local economic impact averages approximately $200 per guest at each port visited.

The company also offers more than 600 guided shore excursions that showcase the unique character, culture, and history of the regions traveled. Most of these excursions are made possible through partnerships with local residents and businesses, thereby generating additional dollars that stay in local communities where tours are conducted.

Beyond tourism, American Cruise Lines makes meaningful financial investments in local communities— investments that create long-term benefits for local governments and residents alike.

For example, company leadership recently met with Natchez Police Chief Lee Best to discuss safety and security along the town’s Mississippi River waterfront.

With ships docking in Natchez more than 100 times each year, this coordination is important for both the cruise line and the city. American Cruise Lines has agreed to purchase and install security cameras along streets adjacent to the riverfront and dock area. Local law enforcement will have access to these cameras at no cost to the city, providing an additional layer of protection for residents and visitors alike.

In recent years, American Cruise Lines has also invested in new permanent docking facilities at several ports along the Mississippi River, including Baton Rouge and Kenner, Louisiana. These docks are accessible to local government agencies and the public when they are not being utilized

by American Cruise Lines. A new dock is currently in the permitting phase for construction in Natchez.

JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 33

Guests and crew members alike consistently rank Natchez as one of the most preferred stops along the Lower Mississippi River. Tour guides and shop owners comment that they often hear guests compliment the historic preservation and charm of the city, as well as the cleanliness of public spaces and the hospitality they receive while visiting. Other areas guests enjoy are St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Vicksburg, Mississippi.

If you are looking for a memorable way to explore America via the nation’s waterways, American Cruise Lines should top your list of considerations. It is particularly well suited for travelers who are looking for accommodating personal service, all-inclusive experiences, and the opportunity to see America from a unique perspective. The

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fact that the company also invests in and supports local communities makes the experience even more meaningful.

From the company's patriotic branding and itineraries to the names of its vessels, American Cruise Lines proudly embodies the American spirit. Ships such as American Heritage, American Splendor, and American Serenade reflect that commitment. Whether you are watching one of their beautiful vessels dock along the river or are sailing aboard one yourself, it is clear that American Cruise Lines is a company that loves this country and proudly celebrates its American roots.

ARTICLE | Melanie Sojourner PHOTOS | American Cruise Lines

head and

T

heart

Motherhood, Summer, and 250 Years of Building Tomorrow

here is something special about summer when you’re a mother. The school bells stop ringing, the schedules loosen just a little, and suddenly the days fill with sunscreen, snacks, muddy shoes, late bedtimes, and memories being made. For children, summer is freedom. For mothers, summer is often everything else. It’s juggling work calls while making sandwiches; answering emails from the park; and running businesses between swim lessons, vacations, family gatherings, and endless loads of laundry.

It’s carrying the weight of responsibilities while simultaneously trying to slow down enough to enjoy the fleeting moments that make childhood magical.

As I write this, I am experiencing summer through a new lens. My youngest daughter recently turned one year old. She was originally due around the Fourth of July, a date our family eagerly anticipated; but she decided she had other plans and arrived at the end of May instead.

At one year old, she won’t remember this summer.

She won’t remember splashing in a pool, laughing at her brother in the yard, or the countless moments spent being held by the people who love her. But I will.

Motherhood has a way of making you acutely aware of time. Every season feels shorter. Every milestone arrives faster than expected. The days often feel long, but the years move with astonishing speed.

Perhaps that is why this year feels particularly meaningful as our nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Two hundred fifty years is difficult to comprehend. It spans generations upon generations of Americans who worked, sacrificed, dreamed, and built something larger than themselves.

Families raised children through uncertain times.

Small businesses opened their doors. Communities gathered, adapted, and endured. Ordinary people made decisions every day that shaped the future for those who would come after them.

In many ways, motherhood mirrors that same spirit.

Most of the work mothers do is unseen. We build foundations. We teach values. We create traditions.

We nurture confidence. We shape future generations one ordinary day at a time, often without realizing the long-term impact our efforts may have.

The founders of our nation could not have imagined the America we know today. Likewise, mothers cannot fully know who their children will become. Faith, though, remains a sustaining force—faith that the investments we make today will matter tomorrow.

As small business owners, community leaders, and parents, many of us spend our days balancing the demands at hand while trying to build something meaningful for the future. Some days that means closing a deal. Other days it means reading one more bedtime story. More often than not, it means doing both.

This summer, as children race through sprinklers and families gather for backyard cookouts, I hope we all take a moment to appreciate the generations that came before us and the generations growing up around us now.

The 250th anniversary of America is not just a celebration of our past. It is a reminder of our responsibility for the future. And perhaps no one understands that responsibility better than a mother.

Because while nations are built over centuries, childhood is built one summer at a time. One ordinary day at a time. One memory at a time. And before we know it, those moments become history, too.

ARTICLE & PHOTOS | Kaelin Daye Russell

JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 35

ALONG and

beyond

On March 26, 2026, the Mississippi School of the Arts (MSA) in Brookhavenm Mississippi, unveiled its newly renovated Mary Jane Lampton Auditorium and rebuilt stage named in honor of the late Jane Ann Lampton Moore, M.D. The dedication ceremony took place on the stage itself before a sold-out performance of Mamma Mia!, a fitting christening for the newly named Jane Ann Lampton Moore Stage.

Jane Ann Moore passed away on April 1, 2022, after a six-month battle with cancer. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, she was the youngest of five children and the only daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Dudley 'Bob' Lampton. After studying art and graduating from the University of Mississippi, she earned her medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and completed her residency at Duke Medical Center where she served as Chief Resident.

She later practiced medicine at Magnolia Clinic alongside her brother, Dr. Luke Lampton.

Patients remember her not only for her care as an outstanding physician but also for her kindness, compassion, and genuine concern for others.

Jane Ann was also a gifted artist. Studying under Sam Gore and Wyatt Waters, she worked primarily in watercolor and oils and earned numerous honors. Her artwork included a lithograph of Eudora Welty that remains in the permanent collection of the Eudora Welty Library in Jackson.

Despite her accomplishments in medicine and art, family remained her greatest priority. According to her brother Luke, her husband, Dr. Alan Moore, and their children—Olivia, Lampton, and Lytle— were the center of her world. She devoted herself to supporting their education, activities, and dreams.

It is especially fitting that the stage bears Jane Ann’s name because the auditorium itself is deeply connected to her family history. MSA Executive Director Elizabeth Hirsch describes the auditorium as "the one constant of the campus since 1912." The building was originally a gift from descendants of Mary Jane Conerly Lampton, whose sons wished to honor their mother with a lasting memorial.

Mary Jane Lampton was remembered as a mother, teacher, and diarist who spent decades educating children in what is now Walthall County. Her son Walter later explained the family's motivation, saying, 'I thought my mother was the best woman ever born. We had the auditorium erected as a small expression of our love and admiration for her.'

Construction plans were finalized in 1912, and the Mary Jane Lampton Memorial Auditorium

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“I Believe in Angels” The Jane Ann Lampton Moore Stage Unveiled

officially opened on May 5, Mississippi School of the Arts 1913. A local newspaper reported that the building was made possible through a $10,000 gift from the five Lampton brothers, who sought to honor their mother's influence and preserve her legacy for future generations.

The campus later evolved into the Mississippi School of the Arts, a statewide residential school offering advanced studies in music, theater, dance, literary and media arts, and visual arts—the subject Jane Ann loved most.

Following the dedication ceremony, family members and guests gathered at historic Captain Jack’s Guest House before returning to the auditorium for the evening performance. There, Dr. Hirsch thanked Dr. Luke Lampton, the Lampton family, and the Brookhaven Trust for helping fund renovations that gave the auditorium 'new life.' She then proclaimed, "We are proud to unveil the Jane Ann Lampton Moore stage, a fitting memorial of her as a descendant of Mary Jane Lampton."

After offering a moving tribute to both his fourth great-grandmother and his beloved sister, Dr. Lampton received the MSA Phoenix Award.

As the lights dimmed, MSA students performed Mamma Mia! with remarkable energy and professionalism. Audience favorites such as "Dancing Queen" and 'The Winner Takes It All" brought the crowd to its feet, and when the curtain fell, the auditorium erupted in applause.

One image from the evening stood above the rest: Jane Ann’s children standing before the stage bearing their mother’s name. The moment reflected both the vision of the Lampton brothers who honored Mary Jane more than a century ago and the dedication of today’s Lampton family, who chose to remember Jane Ann through a renovation that will benefit generations of students and audiences.

Surely, Mary Jane and Jane Ann were watching over their family that night, smiling as the final song echoed through the auditorium: "I have a dream, a song to sing ... I believe in angels / Something good in everything I see / I believe in angels."

ARTICLE | Cathy Chance Harvey

THE

Art Walk

social

SCENE NATCHEZ, MS

Art Walk 2026 brought together local artists, art enthusiasts, and community members for an evening celebrating creativity in downtown Natchez, Mississippi. MDP Reach and Hermanos Cigar Group hosted the event.

Photography by Kaelin Daye Russell

Jane Ann Lampton Moore

Lytle, Olivia, and Lampton Moore

Paige Alexander and Dr. Brett Lampton

Louise and Dr. Luke Lampton

JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 37

As a young girl, Sabrina Doré learned to properly raise and lower the American flag alongside her grandfather on Lake St. John. Today, she proudly flies the largest American flag in Concordia Parish.

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A

s motorists traveled along Carter Street in Vidalia, Louisiana, this spring, many found themselves slowing down to take a second look. Rising high above the roadway was the largest American flag in Concordia Parish, flying atop an 80-foot flagpole and serving as a visible reminder of America’s 250th anniversary.

The person behind the project was Sabrina Doré, a lifelong Concordia Parish resident, former Vidalia, Louisiana, alderwoman, and Shelter Insurance agent. On April 1, 2026, the flag was raised without a formal ceremony, but the occasion became one as drivers slowed, pictures were taken, and memories were made.

Doré recalled working with Lee Blanton of Blanton Construction in Natchez, Mississippi, to determine how the flag should be unveiled.

“It was Lee that suggested we raise the flag on the anniversary of my businesses. Then, when I was trying to decide on a ceremony or event for the occasion, it was Lee who said, "It doesn’t need a ceremony. A flag like this is a ceremony." "And he was exactly right! It was a ceremony indeed,” said Doré.

While the flag has become a new landmark in Vidalia, Louisiana, its significance to Doré runs much deeper.

When asked where her love of country comes from, she immediately credits her grandfather, Kelly Ray Patrick, a farmer and United States Army Military Police officer who lived on Lake St. John.

“My grandfather was a farmer who served as a Military Police Officer with the United States Army.

He lived on Lake St. John and was passionate about our flag and stern about the etiquette of how it was to be handled,” said Doré. “I remember as a child we’d help him raise and lower the one he flew at his home. It had to be done the correct way, and he taught us all so we knew the proper

way to handle a flag.”

Doré also remembers her grandfather’s connection to both country and land.

"He would say, 'This is our soil, our home.' He was deeply patriotic in his love of country, and he instilled that in all his children", remembered Doré. "As a farmer, he wasn’t just passionate about the American soil that he fought for. His land was what fed families, built legacies, and gave us something to carry through to the next generation."

That influence continues today.

In addition to flying the parish’s largest American flag, Doré’s Shelter Insurance office serves as an official drop-off location for worn American flags. Working alongside local Boy Scout troops, she helps ensure every flag is properly retired.

“It’s important to me that all flags are treated with the respect they deserve. It’s also important that we raise the next generation to carry on those traditions and respect,” she said.

Doré’s commitment to community also extends to the annual fireworks display over the Mississippi River between Vidalia, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Since taking over the event in 2017, she has worked to expand the celebration and hopes this year’s Fourth of July show, commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, will be the best yet.

“Many of us won’t be here to see another big milestone anniversary like this, so we want this to be one to remember!” said Doré.

For Doré, honoring America is about more than flying a flag or producing a fireworks show. It is about preserving traditions, serving her community, and passing along the values she learned from a grandfather who taught her, one flag at a time, what it means to love her country.

ARTICLE & PHOTOS | Kaelin Daye Russell

JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 39

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JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 41

ALONG and

beyond

THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME A once-in-a-lifetime journey for me to Italy and France during April 2026 was filled with beauty, inspiration, touring, tasting, shopping, and unforgettable moments. Reflecting on this trip brought recollections that many years ago, I funded three college-aged children’s trips to Europe and one trip to Costa Rica.

Then, following her graduation, my oldest child backpacked across Europe with two other friends. The younger two children spent a summer in Europe taking courses in their prospective fields of study while also jumping on a train or plane to explore other significant cities and countries within travel distance during their five-week jaunt.

Throughout those years, I never thought I would find myself wanting to travel abroad. However, since this thirteen-day trip, I have been bitten by the “travel bug.”

The first five days we spent in the unspoiled medieval village of Cittá della Pieve in Italy’s Umbria area. I was part of a group attending a floral design workshop conducted by John Grady Burns, a Natchez native of international renown. The days filled with design classes, lunches, dinners, a pasta-making class, and explorations of the many churches, many of these venues accented in true Italian style with delicious wines, created amazing memories made with new friends and enhanced by our newly acquired floral and cooking skills.

Five of us ventured on to Rome for two nights and days touring the city via Rome by Golf Car with an itinerary that included the Colosseum and other major attractions such as the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Spanish Steps, as well as fine dining and shopping that included the Vatican Wonders with a well-informed private guide.

Then it was arrivederci to Italy as we flew to

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Paris, France, for four nights and days of first-hand experiences in “The City of Light.” Our charming 4-Star boutique hotel, La Belle Juliette, nestled in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood, was just steps from Saint-Germain cafes, boutique shopping, and iconic cultural attractions. If in Paris, one must visit the Eiffel Tower at night. The view is spectacular to experience while standing atop one of the world’s most unforgettable landmarks. Our guided tour of Notre Dame, built in 1345 and restored from its 2019 fire, was breathtaking.

After a short rest at a local coffee-café, we toured the Sainte Chappelle. In the mid-thirteenth century, Louis IX commanded the construction of the Sainte Chappelle as a reverent resting place for the most treasured relics of the Passion of Christ—the Crown of Thorns and a fragment of the True Cross. With over a thousand stained glass windows, this jewel stands majestically adjacent to and adjoining the royal palace in the heart of historic Paris.

Additional tours included a night tour in a convertible Citroen 2CV that took us to the Montmartre district to see the lights of the Moulin Rouge and Sacré Coeur Basilica and then to enjoy a late-night supper in a local café.

Our morning thereafter opened with a tour of the Louvre with a private guide, an Italian artist whose expertise enriched our experience with the many iconic masterpieces. We spent the afternoon enjoying a boat cruise on the Seine River and thereafter exploring retail therapy in France’s largest indoor shopping mall. The day’s sights, sounds, history, and sunshine were an exciting prelude to an enchanting evening of fine food and wine in a neighborhood farm-to-table restaurant.

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CONNECT WITH US ALONG and I can’t forget the tour of Palais Garnier, home to Paris Opera and in walking distance of shopping at the Galleries Lafayette Haiessman, a multi-floor shopping mall with an Art Nouveau glass dome. Another day, we visited the Musee d’Orsay housed in a former railway station.

This structure showcases mainly French paintings, sculptures, and photography including the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings with works from Van Gogh, Cezanne, Renoir, and Monet. The Restaurant in Musee de Orsay offered a convenient, brief, and delicious respite during our busy day. After that, we treated ourselves

to a trip back to the Montmartre district to walk the neighborhoods, stroll the square, and view local artists’ works. We all found original art treasures to bring back home. I must admit, all of our experiences in these beautiful areas were magical; however, our travel companions were the icing on the cake.

Au revoir, Paris, until next time.

And warmest regards to Italy as I recall the sounds of Italians greeting us with ciao, their cheek kissing, and their sharing warm smiles and embracing hugs. All in all—the trip of a lifetime!

beyond

ARTICLE | Cheryl Rinehart

JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 43

up & coming Calendar LOUISIANA

explorelousiana.com _______________________ ALEXANDRIA / PINEVILLE alexandriapinevillela.com rapidessymphony.org riveroaksartscenter.com lagniappetheatre.com themuseum.org Every Tuesday 3:00pm - 6:00pm Alexandria Farmers Market 2727 Jackson Street July 11 & August 8 10:00am - 4:00pm

Second Saturday/Free Admission

lsumoa.org louisianastatemuseum.org rivercenterarena:baton-rouge. tickets-center.com batonrougeballet.org brso.org lasm.org Every Saturday Red Stick Farmers Market & Arts Market 8:00am - Noon Corner 5th & Main Streets July 11 & 25 BASF’s Kids Lab Louisiana Art & Science Museum www.lasm.org

Alexandria Museum of Art themuseum.org

MONROE/WEST MONROE monroe-westmonroe.org

July 11 Cenla Artist Market 5:00pm - 9:00pm Fighting Hand Brewing Company

July 4 Red, White & Blue at the Zoo

Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

1405 Bernstein Park Road

August 1 Sayes Youth Fishing Tournament 6:00am - 10:30pm Cotile Lake Recreation Area ________________________ SAINT JOSEPH stjoela.com July 3 Boomin' Bruin Firework Show Lake Bruin 9:00pm August 1st Thunder on Bruin Airshow Netterville Landing Marina _______________________ BATON ROUGE visitbatonrouge.com

July 11 Landry’s Vineyard & Wine Tour Landry Vineyards 5699 New Natchitoches Road July 12 Sensory Second Sunday 3:00pm - 5:00pm Louisiana Art and Science Museum 100 South River Road July 15 Sip & Shop Perkins Rowe 5:00pm - 8:00pm 10000 Perkins Rowe July 20 - 25 Summer Restaurant Week digbr.com/restaurant-week ______________________ FERRIDAY concordialibrary.org deltamusicmuseum.com July 4 Lake St. John Flotilla Hwy 568 | 2:00pm

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July 18 I-10 Bound Band Live Dock Rockers on Lake St. John 7:00pm _______________________

August 6 Downtown Gallery Crawl 5:00 to 9:00pm Downtown Monroe & West Monroe August 28 - 30 Northeast Louisiana Sportsman’s Expo West Monroe Sports & Events 875 Constitution Drive

up & coming calendar NEW ORLEANS neworleansonline.com neworleanscvb.com ogdenmuseum.org newcombartmuseum.tulane.edu nobt.org neworleansfilmsociety.org neworleanscitypark.com neworleanszombierun.com FB: nolajazzmuseum/live theatreneworleans.org

July 16 - 19 Summer Art Show The Corbel 5741 Commerce Street

July 24 - 26 X Games Championships Caesars Superdome

August 22 Pop & Shop 4:00pm - 7:00pm Downtown _______________________

August 1 - 2 Satchmo SummerFest French Quarter August 1 - 31 Coolinary New Orleans neworleans.com/coolinary/

July 19 & August 9 Magnolia Strings Concert 5:30pm - 7:00pm Freyhan Center 4727 Fidelity Street thefreyhancenter.org

VIDALIA cityofvidaliala.com vidaliaconventioncenter.com Every Wednesday

Concordia Parish Farmers Market

7:00am to 12:00pm Oak Street

July 4 Miss Lou Fireworks America 250th Celebration 9:30pm Vidalia Riverfront

MISSISSIPPI

visitmississippi.org mstourism.com _______________________ August 28 - 30 Bluey’s Big Play Mahalia Jackson Theater 1419 Basin Street _______________________

BROOKHAVEN visitbrookhavenms.com brookhavenrecreation.com brookhavenlittletheatre.com llf.lib.ms.us

ST. FRANCISVILLE visitstfrancisvillela.com FB: St. Francisville Farmers Market

Every Friday

Every Thursday St. Francisville Farmers Market 2:00pm - 6:00pm 9961 Wilcox Street July 11 Farmers Market at The Myrtles 9:00am - 12:00pm 7747 US-61

Brookhaven Farmers Market

8:00am - 12:00pm 301 South 1st Street

Summer Concert Series | The Rusted Strings July 17th Downtown Brookhaven _______________________ CANTON visitcantonms.org _______________________ JACKSON dulinghall.com msmuseumart.org visitjackson.com balletms.com msmetroballet.com operams.org downtown-jackson.com newstagetheatre.com Now through August 23

Exhibition: Giants of the Ice Age

8:00am - 5:00pm Mississippi Museum of Natural Science 2148 Riverside Drive July 24 - 26

Mississippi Sports & Outdoors Show

10:00am - 7:00pm Mississippi State Fairgrounds

_______________________ MCCOMB pikeinfo.com mccombarts.com mcrrmuseum.com pcltmccomb.org July 11 Car & Truck Show 8:00am - 3:00pm Percy Quin State Park

JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 45

up & coming calendar NATCHEZ visitnatchez.org kreweofphoenixnatchez.com natchezpilgrimage.com thetowersofnatchez.com natchezgardenclub.org thenatchezlittletheatre.com natchezdna.org FB: Downtown Natchez Farmers Market Every Saturday Natchez Farmers Market 8:30am - 12:00pm 300 N. Broadway Street July 3 BIG 250 FEST with Live @ 5 4:30pm Parade + Festival 5:00pm Live@5 Bandstand on the Bluff July 4 BIG 250 FEST with Live @ 5 4:30pm Festival 5:00pm Live@5 Bandstand on the Bluff 9:30pm FIREWORKS Natchez Riverfront July 11 Christmas In July Shopping 9:00am - 6:00pm Downtown Natchez

magnoliacottagebandb.com August 20 Ladies Night Out Shopping 5:00pm - 8:00pm Downtown Natchez _______________________ BRANDON/MADISON/ RIDGELAND visitridgeland.com madisonthecity.com brandonamphitheater.com mscrafts.org July 9 & August 13 Summer Porch Party Crafts, Wine, & Music 6:00pm - 9:00pm Waller Crafts Center 950 Rice Road, Ridgeland

VICKSBURG southernculture.org visitvicksburg.com vicksburgartassociation.org tarawildlife.com vicksburgtheatreguild.com downtownvicksburg.org

August 28 Jason Aldean: Songs About Us Brandon Amphitheater

Every Saturday in July Farmers Market 8:00am – Noon vicksburgfarmersmarket.org

Tuesdays Farmers Market @ Caboose 4:30pm – 7:30pm 2103 Main Street, Madison

July 30 Free Concert in the Park 6:30pm - 8:30pm Key City Park 255 Fisher Ferry Road

_______________________ SUMMIT pikeinfo.com August 8 Bingo & Bubbly Benefit 11:00am - 2:00pm Oak Hill Estates 3054 MS Hwy 24

August 25 Vicksburg Military Park 8:30am - 5:00pm Fee Free Day 3201 Clay St. _______________________ WESSON FB: Wesson Chamber Happenings _______________________

July 24 & 25 Natchez Food & Wine Fest natchezfoodandwine.com

July 25 An Evening at Magnolia Cottage Summer Supper Series Kickoff 6:30pm - 8:30pm

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WOODVILLE woodvillems.org woodvillemainstreet.org FB: Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association

VIDALIA

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VIDALIA CONFERENCE & CONVENTION CENTER

112 Front Street, Vidalia, LA 71373 318-336-9934 www.vidaliaconventioncenter.com JULY-AUGUST 2026 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | 47

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48 | BLUFFS & BAYOUS | JULY-AUGUST 2026

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